Steps to Replacing Your Old Radiator
Old radiators can create problems at times. Removing and replacing the radiators that are old or are not functioning properly is the best solution to this. Replacing your old radiator with a fresh one can help you in maximizing the heating output and ensure efficiency.
Replacing your own radiator can also help avoid the expense
of calling up a handyman for a job that you could do by yourself.
There are a few tools and material that you would need to
carry out this job perfectly, which are
- - Screwdriver
- - Adjustable wrench
- - Radiator spanner
- - Radiator bleed key
- - Dust sheet and bowls/trays
- - Tape measure
- - Spirit level
- - PTFE tape
Note: Tape measure and spirit level would only be required
if your new wall brackets do not match the old ones and you need to fix new
holes to fit the new brackets. To avoid this, always try to choose a new
radiator similar to the old one. This would also ensure that your pipe fittings
match.
Step 1
The very first thing to do would be to turn off the heating,
and isolating the radiator by closing off both the valves found at either end
of the radiator. If you have a manual valve, turn it all the way in a clockwise
direction. If the valve is thermostatic then turn it to ‘zero’ or ‘off’.
Step 2
Place a dust sheet right underneath the radiator, and put
two bowls or trays under each of the valves. This would protect your floor from
the water coming out of the radiator.
Step 3
Once both the valves are turned off and the trays are in
position, undo the valves attached to the radiator using an adjustable wrench.
You may want to have another wrench handy in case you need to hold down the
valves on the pipes. This would help in stopping it from turning.
Step 4
After undoing both the valves, remove the old radiator from
the wall. You can tilt it on either side to tip off any remaining water inside.
Remember that radiators are usually a little heavy, so have someone help you
while lifting it. Once the water is drained out, put the radiator aside.
Tip: This could
be a good opportunity for you to fix the paint behind the radiator or any
plaster job that needs to be done.
If you are not planning on getting new valves and using the
old ones, clean them up with a cloth and remove any old TPFE tape. Take the new
valves or the cleaned ones and put a new layer of TPFE tape on it. Hold the
valve in your left hand, and wrap the tape on in a clockwise direction. You
should make about 10 wraps.
Step 6:
Bring out the new radiator and attach both the valves to it.
For this, you would need a radiator spanner. Make sure both the valves are
fitted perfectly and are not too tight.
Step 7:
Remove the old brackets and attach the new ones to the wall.
If the new ones need new holes, use a tape measure to mark the positions, and
fix the new brackets using a screwdriver.
Step 8:
Using someone’s help, lift the new radiator and carefully
place it on the wall brackets. Now, connect the water piping to the radiator.
Make sure to wrap PTFE tape on the valves on both the pipes. Tighten all the
valve nuts and open both the valves.
Step 9:
Lastly, you would need to bleed your radiator. To do this,
using a radiator bleed key, slowly open the bleed valve. You’ll hear steam
coming out. Just when you see water trickling out, close the valve. Be sure to
check for any leaks.
Step 10:
Turn the system on. Sit back, and relax!
Replacing your radiator is not as difficult as it seems. With a little bit of caution, and by following the right steps, anyone can do it without having to call the handyman services.



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